Mawwiage is a holy institution. A line from a favorite movie. While The Princess Bride may be a comedy and the priest's hilarious accent makes me laugh nearly to tears, I think this line actually sums up a main problem with marriage in America today. Our culture has gotten away from seeing marriage as an institution, annointed and created by GOD. It's holy and sacred.

Chris and I watched a certain reality show last night, out of some morbid curiosity, I suppose. It was like watching a train wreck. I will not comment on the specifics, but I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about. I'll just leave it at this--my heart hurts for the pain of this family, and all the thousands of others that they represent.

What happened? Whatever does happen? A million reasons for each marriage broken, and each story unique. I recently ate dinner with some friends from high school. I was the only one of the five of us who had not been divorced. I'm not bragging, mind you. There but the grace of God go I. Because marriage is hard. And, speaking for myself only, I cannot make it a day without the hope and foundation of the Solid Rock of Christ.

I will say that I have been blessed with a very happy marriage, and after all these years together, Chris is still my best friend, my most trusted confidante, and the one I want to grow old with. It's not that butterflies in the stomach kind of feeling any more. While I loved that fresh crazy and mad feeling of being in love in the beginning, that changes with the years. And, I'm glad for that. I love the comfortable, secure and DEEP love that has grown through years of ups and downs and shared experiences.

I simply want to make this point. For those wrestling through to make their marriage work--fight for it. Get on your face together, before God, and ask him to help. For those facing a broken marriage--I still encourage you to go to God and let him bind up your hurts and be the lover of your soul. Remember--when we stand firm as the Princess Bride of Christ, His love sustains us.